Destination photo sessions have to be the best part of a photographer's job! Although I’ve traveled to Las Vegas many times, my trip last weekend was more fun than usual because I conducted my first photo session there.

The families really wanted an Arizona backdrop, and so we took our chances and trekked out to the San Tan Regional Mountain Park, all of us prepared to run from the rain and to chase the sun. Thank goodness we didn't reschedule because everything worked out in the end - we got the beautiful Arizona backdrop in most of the photos (mountains, bright blue skies, sunshine, and cacti). 

It was evident that there is a special bond between the parents, Sirionth and Adam, and their boys, as well as between the siblings. You could never tell that Sirionth suffers from a blood disorder and liver disease, because she always has a smile on her face and puts her family's and friends' needs before hers. She refuses to let her illnesses define her as a person, and continues to maintain a positive outlook on life. After all, the glass should be viewed as half full and not half empty, right? 

This photo session is particularly special to me because I got to photograph my adorable nephew, Lincoln (aka Linc), and his parents!

Pookie and John met in March 2009 and were married in 2014. John’s parents, Barry and Son Cha, moved from South Korea to the United States in spring of 2013, and lives with them to this day. Barry grew up in Oregon and is a retired veteran - thank you for your service to our country, sir!

Spending the day with the Carpenter and Smith families was like spending a day with friends. We walked and chatted while stopping at different areas of beautiful downtown Gilbert to snap photos of the family. I loved that they were up for anything!

Elaine and Jesus have been married for a few years and are parents to two fur babies - Zoey and Trigger. They went on their first date in 2009, and during a trip to Las Vegas in 2012, Jesus surprised Elaine with a proposal.  A  year later they got married at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas!

I had the pleasure of spending time with the Sili family, and the love between the older and younger generations was evident. They were very welcoming to me, and the kids are beyond cute (loved their hugs)!

The Sili family are a wonderful mix of Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian, and Najavo heritage. Kana, Sean, and Lengi are siblings and are half Samoan and half Tongan.